PHOTO PROVIDED Commonwealth University-Lock Haven athletic training student Julianna Kratzer, of Altoona, recently completed her final clinical placement at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C..

LOCK HAVEN — Julianna Kratzer, of Altoona, recently completed her final clinical placement at Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in Conway, S.C. Kratzer is a recent graduate of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven.

Prior to her time at CU-Lock Haven, Kratzer received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from CU-Bloomsburg. During high school, she spent much of her time participating in multiple sports and working with the athletic training staff at CU-Bloomsburg. Her interest in medicine and sports influenced her decision to pursue a career in athletic training.

Throughout her two years in the athletic training program at Lock Haven, Kratzer participated in numerous hands-on clinical experiences. These included working with Pennsylvania College of Technology’s fall sports teams, Lock Haven football and both men’s and women’s soccer teams, Bellefonte Area High School spring sports and Lock Haven’s rehabilitation clinic, culminating in a full-immersion internship at CCU, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institution and a member of the Sun Belt Conference.

Kratzer was exposed to a wide variety of chronic and acute injuries, while strengthening her clinical decision-making and patient care skills. During her internship, she worked primarily with the men’s and women’s track and field teams. Under the supervision of licensed athletic trainer Skyler Nooralian (MS, LAT, ATC), Kratzer’s duties during her internship included evaluating and managing orthopedic injuries, providing hands-on treatment, guiding student-athletes through individualized rehabilitation programs and exercise prescriptions and communicating effectively with healthcare providers and coaching staff. She also gained valuable experience traveling with teams and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, including chiropractors and physicians.

The immersion experience provided Kratzer with exposure to advanced rehabilitation techniques, enhanced clinical decision-making opportunities and valuable collaboration within an interdisciplinary sports medicine team.

“Getting to be at Coastal Carolina University was such an amazing opportunity,” Kratzer said. “Being able to experience Division I athletics and work with such a welcoming coaching staff made my time there incredibly rewarding. I am grateful to have worked alongside my preceptor and the student-athletes. This experience truly helped further develop my skills as I transition into becoming a professional athletic trainer.”